In farewell message, Trump remembers his accomplishments, doesn't mention Biden
On Tuesday, the White House released United States President Donald Trump's pre-recorded farewell message, wherein he wished the best to the next administration but fell short of mentioning his successor Joe Biden's name. He also drew attention to the achievements of his administration, saying, "We did what we came here to do - and so much more." Here are more details.
He condemned Capitol violence, orchestrated by his supporters, again
In the 20-minute-long video, Trump condemned the January 6 violence at Capitol, the seat of the US democracy, that left five dead. The mob that wreaked havoc supported Trump and believed his unfounded allegations that the November polls were stolen. The Republican said the "assault on our Capitol" horrified all citizens. "Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans," he said.
I was the true outsider to win presidency: Trump
Unsurprisingly, Trump also reflected on his presidency. He said he was the first "outsider" to take office. "I had not spent my career as a politician, but as a builder looking at open skylines and imagining infinite possibilities," he asserted. He added that he ran for office because he was confident of "towering new summits for America just waiting to be scaled."
'America gave me so much'
"I left behind my former life and stepped into a very difficult arena, but an arena nevertheless with all sorts of potential if properly done. America had given me so much and I wanted to give something back," he said.
Trump said he was first president to not start wars
Mentioning the top achievements, Trump said his administration struck historic peace deals in the Middle East. "I am especially proud to be the first president in decades who has started no new wars," he announced. About China, one of his biggest adversaries, he stated, "We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before."
He took pride in the development of two coronavirus vaccines
The outgoing President also seemed satisfied with how his administration handled the coronavirus pandemic. "When our nation was hit with the terrible pandemic, we produced not one, but two vaccines with record-breaking speed and more will quickly follow," he stated. However, reports say that Trump's refusal to pay heed to scientific experts cost America a staggering 411,486 lives — the largest death toll globally.
The movement we started is just beginning: Trump
The 74-year-old also had a parting message for his followers. "Now, as we prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning," he said. He asked the Biden administration to not lose the respect, that he built for America, during his days at the White House.
Trump said the best is yet to come
"I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart and an optimistic spirit and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come," he said, concluding his speech.
Here is the White House's tweet
In her farewell video, First Lady focused on 'Be Best'
Separately, First Lady Melania Trump also released a farewell message. "In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us, to rise above what divides us, to always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others above yourself," she said in a video. She urged Americans to do their part in educating children.
Here is her farewell speech
Trump won't attend Biden's inauguration; Melania hasn't invited Jill either
Meanwhile, Trump would not be attending Biden's swearing-in ceremony, breaking away from a decades-old tradition. He would instead be flying to Florida. Melania has also reportedly decided not to reach out to her successor, Jill Biden. As per norms, the outgoing First Lady invites the next one for a walkthrough of the private living quarters. Biden's daughter Ashley felt this was "unfortunate."
